08 May 2024
Newcastle
15 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
This cruise has been designed to take you on a cultural journey to uncover historic battles and power struggles, from the Norman invasion in France to the Age of Discovery in Portugal. The destinations have also been chosen for their traditional food and drink, with highlights including a tour to meet the owners of Château Boutinet, where you can discover Bordeaux’s wine history, and learning how to make pastéis de nata with a local pastry chef in Lisbon. Scenic Discoveries include sailing past the Tower of Hercules – the world’s oldest working lighthouse – and along the River Seine – lined by quaint villages and rich, hilly countryside – en route to Rouen, a journey only possible on smaller ships.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The Vineyards of Chateau Boutinet
Join a tour to the 18th century Château Boutinet, located in Villegouge, close to Bordeaux. Strolling through the vineyards, you will learn more of the fascinating history and winemaking methods used here. As part of our Signature Experiences programme, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the wines, alongside delicious tapas which pair perfectly with the selected Château Boutinet wines.
Scenic Discovery of the River Seine
As part of our Scenic Discoveries experience, journey along the River Seine as Balmoral glides through Normandy’s Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, linking the historic cities of Rouen and Honfleur. As Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships can navigate waterways such as these with ease, you’ll see traditional houses and churches which have inspired artists such as Monet and Matisse.
Age of Discovery
On a tour from Lisbon, follow in the footsteps of the Portuguese Age of Discovery and learn more about the rich maritime history of explorers and navigators. Visit the magnificent Belém Tower, a fortress built in 1515; and browse collections of maps and artefacts at the maritime museum. Close by is the Royal Monastery of Jerónimos, which houses the tomb of navigator Vasco da Gama.
Life On Board
Introducing Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 13:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 13:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
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360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £8,548.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £7,598.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £4,178.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £5,799 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.